When I completed the identities activity, I listed things that I strongly identify with—being a daughter, a student, a sister, and a friend. But I think that my identity as a woman is something that impacts the way I see the world the most. I think that these impacts are both advantages and disadvantages. I am not saying that identifying as a woman is in any way a disadvantage, but as a woman, I find that I am always on guard. I constantly am watching my surroundings—how others look at me, how close others are to me, and I constantly search for the safest areas (the most lit, the most public, etcetera). But being a woman has also taught me so much about the world. I feel that other women have shaped me because of the connection women seem to have with one another right away. I have become more caring, empathetic, and kind to others. I feel that other women, specifically my mother and my friends, have taught me how to be a strong, caring woman. I think as I go abroad, I will encounter similar identities, but in different ways. Perhaps being a friend or a student will be more important than being a woman. I have encountered other women in other countries, like Greece and Vietnam, where their role as a woman in society is quite different than mine. I think that gender plays different roles in different societies, and perhaps the role of women will be different in Italy. Another thing that may be different is that Italians may identify strongly with their country and their nationality. I am an American but, for me, it is not something that I strongly identify with. Of course, Italians are going to feel more comfortable and confident in their home country, which is definitely an advantage for them. I will also encounter other students who are placing importance on their studies, like I am. These may be people I can connect with and learn from. Despite what I may identify with, I hope to spend my time abroad finding commonalities between myself and others and connecting with others in thousands of different ways. I hope to grow as a person and expand my identities to things that might include traveler, art historian, or others. My main goal is to appreciate other people’s identities, no matter how different they are from mine, and form connections with others, while growing myself. This summer, I have spent a lot of time thinking about my growth as a person and trying to encourage that growth within myself. Everyone grows a little bit every single day. I plan to embrace this change and growth within myself and use it to better understand myself and others. I am excited and nervous to encounter these changes in Italy.
